Kia K9 (or K900 for America) is the flagship sedan from the Korean manufacturer which was introduced 2012. And after a few yearly updates, Kia has decided to work with the new generation of its flagship. Spotted for the first time undergoing cold-climate tests in northern Scandinavia, the Kia K9 is expected to be unveiled by the end of this year.
The highly-camouflaged test mule doesn’t seem to have drastic changes. It retains the total length of 5.10 metres with large overhangs and the sleeker roofline. Kia’s trademark “Tiger-nose” grill is maintained, while the redesigned LED headlights and taillights are peeking through the camouflage. The current gen K9 makes use of the BH-L (VI) platform which also underpins the Hyundai Equus and Genesis. The new car will continue to use the same platform. There seems no change on the wheel size on the new car as the test mule is riding on alloy wheels which are already available in the current car.
Engine options for the new K9 will include the same 3.8-litre V6 producing 311bhp and the 5.0-litre V8 pumping out 420bhp. Sending the powers to the rear wheels will be a standard eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters. There is no all-wheel drive option available as yet, but the new generation could change that.
Kia’s first major plunged into the Luxo-barge segment, the K9 never was able to set the sales on fire. It sold a total of just 2,134 cars last year in the American market. The K9 was targeted at the BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Currently, the car is sold in international countries like South Korea (as the Kia K9), the Middle East, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, Russia (as the Kia Quoris), United States, and Canada.